Tired of reheating leftovers that taste… well, *old*? Or maybe you’re just looking for a faster way to melt butter for that baking project. If you’re nodding along, then you’re in the right place! Countertop microwave ovens are kitchen workhorses, but navigating the sea of models can feel like a full-time job. From figuring out wattage to deciphering confusing features, the sheer number of choices can leave you scratching your head.
Choosing the perfect countertop microwave isn’t just about popping popcorn; it’s about finding a reliable appliance that fits your cooking needs and your kitchen’s style. We get it – the options can be overwhelming, and you want to make sure you’re getting a microwave that’s easy to use, cooks food evenly, and doesn’t take up your entire counter.
In this post, we’re going to break down exactly what you need to know. We’ll explore the key features that matter, help you understand what all those buttons actually do, and share tips for finding a microwave that will make your kitchen life a whole lot easier. Get ready to say goodbye to microwave confusion and hello to perfectly heated meals!
Our Top 5 Countertop Microwave Ovens Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Countertop Microwave Ovens Detailed Reviews
1. Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts
Rating: 8.5/10
The Farberware Countertop Microwave is a fantastic choice for anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-use appliance. It’s compact, powerful, and packed with helpful features, making it ideal for smaller kitchens, dorm rooms, or apartments. You can whip up meals in no time with its 700 watts of power and user-friendly controls.
What We Like:
- It’s super convenient for making quick meals with its 700 watts of power.
- It has ten power levels and six one-touch cooking options like popcorn and potato.
- The 0.7 cu ft size is just right for small spaces.
- The interior and exterior are easy to clean, which is a big plus.
- It has a clear LED display with a timer and clock.
- Interior lighting helps you see your food cooking.
- A child safety lock gives you peace of mind.
- The stainless steel look is sleek and modern.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 700-watt power might be a little less powerful than some larger microwaves for very dense foods.
This Farberware microwave is a solid, all-around performer that makes everyday cooking simple and efficient. It’s a smart addition to any kitchen where space is a consideration.
2. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 8.9/10
Meet the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven, your new kitchen helper! This black beauty boasts a spacious 1.2 cubic feet interior, easily fitting a 12-inch pizza. With 1000 watts of power, it heats food quickly and evenly. Plus, a smart humidity sensor and 12 auto menus take the guesswork out of cooking popular dishes like potatoes and vegetables. You can even enjoy a quieter kitchen thanks to the mute function.
What We Like:
- The large 1.2 cubic feet capacity and 12.4-inch turntable fit big plates and even a whole pizza.
- Smart humidity sensor and 12 auto menus make cooking different foods simple and accurate.
- 1000 watts of power heats food fast.
- The mute function lets you turn off the annoying beeps.
- ECO mode helps save energy.
- The easy-clean interior makes wiping up messes a breeze.
- It looks sleek and modern in black.
What Could Be Improved:
- The control panel keypad comes with a protective film that needs to be removed before use.
- A 1-year warranty means you need to keep the packaging for any returns or service.
This Toshiba microwave is a solid choice for anyone looking for convenience and power in their kitchen. It’s designed to make your everyday cooking tasks easier.
3. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.1/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a compact and user-friendly appliance that makes cooking and reheating a breeze. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen, and its 0.7 cubic foot capacity is ideal for smaller spaces or single servings. This microwave is designed for simplicity, with easy-to-understand controls and helpful features.
What We Like:
- It has pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn and pizza, taking the guesswork out of cooking times.
- The 30-second express cooking button is super handy for quick reheating.
- The large LED display makes it easy to see the time and settings.
- A child safety lock provides peace of mind for families with little ones.
- The removable glass turntable ensures even cooking and is easy to clean.
- The push-button door release makes opening the microwave simple.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 700 watts, it might cook food a bit slower than higher-wattage microwaves.
- Some users might prefer a larger capacity for bigger meals or family-sized portions.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid option for anyone needing a reliable and straightforward way to heat up food. It offers good value and essential features for daily use.
4. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 9.3/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) is a compact, 0.9 cubic foot microwave oven that’s a great fit for small kitchens, apartments, or dorm rooms. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks good anywhere. This microwave is packed with features to make cooking and reheating easy and convenient, all while keeping safety in mind.
What We Like:
- It has 6 helpful auto-menus for popular foods like popcorn and pizza, making cooking simple.
- You can adjust the cooking power with 11 different levels, giving you lots of control.
- The mute function lets you turn off the beeping sound, which is perfect for quiet kitchens or late-night snacks.
- A two-step child lock is included to keep little ones safe from accidentally turning it on.
- The one-touch start feature quickly cooks food for up to 6 minutes at full power.
- It comes with a 10.6-inch removable glass turntable that’s easy to clean.
- Bright LED lighting inside lets you see your food as it cooks.
- Defrosting is easy, whether you use time or weight.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions might still be a bit large for extremely tiny spaces.
This TOSHIBA microwave offers a good mix of convenience and safety for everyday use. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly microwave.
5. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.8/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact powerhouse, perfect for any kitchen. It’s designed for quick and easy cooking, with features that make meal prep a breeze. This black microwave looks great on any counter and offers a lot of convenience for its size.
What We Like:
- It cooks food really fast. You can pick from six popular cooking options like popcorn or pizza. Or, you can just type in the time you need.
- It has 10 different power levels. This means you can melt butter gently or cook food super quickly.
- The digital controls are simple to use. You can easily set the time and power. There’s also a +30 seconds button to add extra cooking time.
- You can save your favorite cooking settings. This lets you start your go-to meals with just one touch.
- It has a child safety lock to keep the door shut. You can also lock the control panel so no one changes the settings by accident.
- You can turn off the annoying beeps with the Mute button. This is great if you need to be quiet.
- It has a modern, sleek black design that fits in with other kitchen appliances. The Eco Mode lets you save power and turn off the display.
- Cleaning is easy. The outside wipes clean with a damp cloth. The glass plate can go in the dishwasher.
- Chefman offers a 1-year warranty and the microwave is cETL approved, meaning it’s safe and built to last.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity might be a bit small for larger dishes or families.
- While it has many features, some might find the interface a little basic if they are used to more advanced microwaves.
This Chefman microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance. It offers great value and makes everyday cooking more convenient.
Choosing Your Next Countertop Microwave: A Smart Guide
A countertop microwave is a kitchen staple. It heats food fast and makes cooking easy. Picking the right one makes a big difference. This guide helps you find the best microwave for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
Power (Wattage)
Microwaves use watts to cook food. More watts mean faster cooking. Most microwaves are between 700 and 1200 watts. For everyday use, 900-1000 watts is a good choice. If you cook a lot, look for 1000 watts or more.
Capacity (Cubic Feet)
Capacity tells you how much food can fit inside. It’s measured in cubic feet. Small microwaves are about 0.7 to 1.0 cubic feet. These are good for one or two people. Medium microwaves are 1.1 to 1.6 cubic feet. They work well for families. Large microwaves are 1.7 cubic feet or bigger. These are for big meals and large dishes.
Size and Dimensions
Measure your counter space before you buy. Check the microwave’s height, width, and depth. Make sure it fits comfortably. Also, check the door swing. You need enough space for the door to open fully.
Cooking Presets and Functions
Many microwaves have special buttons. These are for popcorn, pizza, baked potatoes, and more. Some have sensor cooking. This adjusts cooking time based on the food’s steam. Defrost settings are also useful. They help thaw frozen foods safely.
Turntable
A turntable rotates food. This helps it cook evenly. Most microwaves have one. Check if it’s removable for easy cleaning.
Important Materials
Microwaves are made of different materials. The inside is usually stainless steel or painted metal. Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean. Painted metal is less expensive but can chip. The outside is often plastic or stainless steel. Stainless steel looks sleek but can show fingerprints.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Build Quality
A well-built microwave feels sturdy. The door should close smoothly. Buttons should feel responsive. Cheaply made microwaves might feel flimsy. They may not last as long.
Ease of Cleaning
A smooth interior makes cleaning simple. Removable turntables and glass trays are easy to wash. Some microwaves have special non-stick interiors. These help prevent food from sticking.
Noise Level
Some microwaves are louder than others. If you have an open kitchen, a quieter model might be better. Check reviews for comments on noise.
Energy Efficiency
Look for the Energy Star label. This means the microwave uses less energy. It can save you money on your electricity bill.
User Experience and Use Cases
For Singles or Couples
A smaller, 0.7 to 1.0 cubic foot microwave is perfect. It heats up snacks and single meals quickly. Simple controls are usually enough.
For Families
A medium-sized microwave, 1.1 to 1.6 cubic feet, is ideal. It can handle larger meals and leftovers. More cooking presets are helpful for busy families.
For Tech-Savvy Cooks
Look for microwaves with advanced features. Smart sensors, inverter technology for even cooking, and multiple cooking modes offer more control.
For Small Kitchens
Compact models are best. Measure your space carefully. Some microwaves are designed to be more space-saving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best wattage for a countertop microwave?
A: For most people, 900-1000 watts is a good balance for fast and even cooking.
Q: How big should my microwave be?
A: This depends on how many people you’re cooking for and what you cook. Small kitchens need smaller microwaves.
Q: Is stainless steel better than plastic for a microwave interior?
A: Stainless steel is more durable and easier to clean. Painted interiors can chip over time.
Q: What does “sensor cooking” mean?
A: Sensor cooking uses steam to figure out how long to cook your food. It helps prevent overcooking.
Q: Do I need a turntable?
A: Yes, a turntable rotates food for more even heating. Most microwaves come with one.
Q: How do I clean my microwave?
A: Wipe the inside with a damp cloth. Remove the turntable and wash it separately. For tough spots, microwave a bowl of water with lemon juice for a few minutes.
Q: What are the benefits of inverter technology?
A: Inverter technology provides a steady stream of power. This cooks food more evenly and helps preserve texture and flavor.
Q: Can I put metal in my microwave?
A: No, you should never put metal in a microwave. It can cause sparks and damage the appliance.
Q: How much space do I need around a countertop microwave?
A: Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations. Generally, you need a few inches of clearance on the sides and top for ventilation.
Q: What’s the difference between a microwave and a convection microwave?
A: A standard microwave uses microwaves to heat food. A convection microwave also has a heating element and fan. This allows it to bake, roast, and broil food like a regular oven.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!